The Nurse Is Performing a Mental Status Examination

question 21

Multiple Choice

The nurse is performing a mental status examination. Which statement is true regarding the assessment of mental status?

• A) Mental status assessment diagnoses specific psychiatric disorders.
• B) Mental disorders occur in response to everyday life stressors.
• C) Mental status functioning is inferred through the assessment of an individual's behaviors.
• D) Mental status can be directly assessed, similar to other systems of the body (e.g., heart sounds, breath sounds).

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Definitions:

Psychotic Episode

A period of time where an individual experiences a break from reality, often involving hallucinations or delusions.

Prevention

The act of stopping something from happening or arising, particularly in the context of health and disease.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a form of anxiety that manifests as a fear of social situations, causing significant distress and impairing an individual's ability to function in various aspects of life.

Symptoms

Signs or indicators of a disease, disorder, or other physical or psychological condition, often experienced by the individual.